Publishers Weekly wrote a good overview of Susan Novotny’s latest book business venture. She and another indie owner, David Didriksen, are “opening” Wakefield Books in Rhode Island, in a former Waldenbooks space. The thinking behind the venture recognizes that good bookstores combine the sense of a community destination with large regional interest sections, and dedicated, knowledgeable staff.
The venture is named Bookstore Solutions Management, and their plan is to work with other mall owners in the northeast to transition unsuccessful chains into thriving indies.
Susan owns The Stuyvesant Plaza Book House in Albany, Market Block Books in Troy, and is the co-owner, with Eric Wilska, of The Troy Book Makers.